My cancer returned after 3 years but they are saying it is cells that have always been there that were resistant to the chemoradiation treatment I completed. It came back as a complex cyst up behind the cervix. The biopsy was positive for anal cancer. My understanding is they are taking all the female organs, 2/3rds of the vaginal canal, rectum and anus. I was hoping they would leave the anus and sphincter because the healing sounds rough but I know the goal is to get good margins. The plan is to take the gracilis muscle from the thigh and tunnel it in to pelvic cavity and make a flap. They are saying because I had radiation there is not good blood flow for healing. It all sounds so drastic but I know people have had it done before and survived. The hospital is saying I will be in hospital for 4-5 days then discharged home. I live alone and upstairs so I really don't know how that is going to work. As scary as it is I just want to get it over with at this point. It is nice to have a spot to post and to hear other peoples experience.
Thank you,
Kathleen
